Gluteal muscle exercise device

ABSTRACT

An exercise device; the exercise device includes a flexible strap and anchor. The exercise device is used for exercising gluteal muscles of the user and provides users with an exercise tool used to complete different types of squat exercises with ease and convenience in the comfort of their own home.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/743,456 filed Oct. 9, 2018, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of exercise devices and more specifically relates to an anchored strap for exercising gluteal muscles.

2. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Squat exercises are beneficial to the core muscles and lower extremities, especially the gluteus muscles. Improper squat form can lead to severe injury, forcing people to rehabilitate from the injury and abandon exercise routines for a considerable amount of time. Additionally, people may be unable to properly perform squat exercises while at home. A suitable solution is desired.

U.S. Pub. No. 2019/0091507 to Randall Hetrick relates to an apparatus, kit, and method for performing strap-based exercises. The described apparatus, kit, and method for performing strap-based exercises includes disclosure for connecting components of a strap-based exercise device. In an embodiment, the strap-based exercise apparatus includes one or more infinity loops configured to attach various portions of the exercise apparatus together. The exercise apparatus may be provided as a kit including an elongated member, a grip assembly, and one or more mechanisms for adjusting the length of a strap and connecting straps together.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known exercise device art, the present disclosure provides a novel gluteal muscle exercise device. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide an exercise tool used to complete multiple different types of squat exercises with ease and convenience, offering a more effective method of performing squat exercises while minimizing the risk of injury.

An exercise device is disclosed herein. The exercise device includes a flexible strap which may include an elongate length. The flexible strap may further have a first handle-half and a second handle-half. The first handle-half may include a first looped-end configured for receiving a first appendage of the user and the second handle-half may have a second looped-end configured for receiving a second appendage of the user. Further, an anchor may be located between the first handle-half and the second handle-half. The anchor may include a coiled piece of elongate material, the coiled piece forming a cylindrical configuration such as a cylinder and may have a diameter-size larger than a gap-size of a gap between the door and the door frame when the door may be in a closed position.

A method of using the exercise device is also disclosed herein. The method of using the exercise device may comprise the steps of: providing the exercise device as above; opening the door; placing the anchor behind the door; closing the door; inserting the first appendage into the first looped-end of the flexible strap; inserting the second appendage into the second looped-end of the flexible strap; tensioning the flexible strap; performing a squat exercise; and engaging the gluteal muscles.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a gluteal muscle exercise device, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the exercise device during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the exercise device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a side front perspective view of the exercise device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a side top perspective view of the exercise device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a side front perspective view of the exercise device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of use for exercise device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to exercise devices and more particularly to a gluteal muscle exercise device as used to improve exercise by offering anchored straps for exercising gluteal muscles.

Generally disclosed is a device which allows a user to disperse his/her weight to a back section of their heel, ensuring the user can drive through their gluteus muscle to maximize efficacy of the squat workout. The device may include a modified nylon strap system specially designed to perform squat exercises. The nylon strap may utilize a pair of handle straps which, when applied around the wrist, enable the user to have support while minimizing grip strength requirements to perform squat exercises.

The device may further include a cylindrical section at the end of the straps, forming an anchor point to be positioned securely within a door jamb. Once installed within the doorjamb, the cylindrical end is secured inside the door. The user can tightly grip the straps to perform squat exercises. The straps facilitate proper form and enable the user to remain stable, dispersing weight to the posterior section of the heel to maximize efficiency during the workout.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-5, various views of an exercise device 100.

FIG. 1 shows an exercise device 100 during an ‘in-use’ condition 150, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As Illustrated, the exercise device 100 may include a flexible strap 110, and an anchor 120. The exercise device 100 may be used for exercising gluteal muscles of a user 40, the exercise device 100 for use with a door 5 in a building, the door 5 including a door frame 10.

According to one embodiment, the exercise device 100 may be arranged as a kit. The kit may include set of user instructions. The instructions may detail functional relationships in relation to the structure of the exercise device 100 (such that the exercise device 100 can be used, maintained, or the like, in a preferred manner).

FIG. 2 shows a side front perspective view of the exercise device 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The flexible strap 110 may include an elongate length. In one embodiment, the flexible strap 110 may be between 20-50 inches in length and at least ½ inch in width. Preferably, the flexible strap 110 may comprise a synthetic textile material. In one embodiment, the synthetic textile material may be nylon.

As shown, the flexible strap 110 may have a first handle-half 112 and a second handle-half 114. In one embodiment, the first handle-half 112 and the second handle-half 114 may each be between 10-25 inches in length. The first handle-half 112 may include a first looped-end 116 configured for receiving a first appendage of the user 40 (FIG. 1). Similarly, the second handle-half 114 may have a second looped-end 118 configured for receiving a second appendage of the user 40 (FIG. 1). Preferably, the first looped-end 116 and the second looped-end 118 may be sized to encircle a wrist of the user 40 (FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the first looped-end 116 and the second looped-end 118 may be between 5-15 inches in diameter. However, it should be appreciated that other sizes and dimensions are contemplated.

FIGS. 3A-3B show various perspective views of the exercise device 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the anchor 120 may be located between the first handle-half 112 and the second handle-half 114. Specifically, the anchor 120 may be located at a mid-section 111 of the flexible strap, between the first handle-half 112 and the second handle-half 114. The mid-section 111 may be at least partially sealed together to form a loop, and the anchor 120 may located within the loop.

The anchor 120 may include a coiled piece 122 of elongate material. In one embodiment, the anchor 120 may comprise the same synthetic textile material as the flexible strap. The coiled piece 122 may form a cylindrical configuration having a diameter-size 124 larger than a gap-size 15 of a gap between the door 5 and the door frame 10 when the door 5 is in a closed position so as to prevent the anchor 120 from slipping through the gap when pull-pressure is applied to the exercise device. In one embodiment, the diameter-size 124 may be at least 1 inch. In another embodiment, the diameter-size 124 is between ¼ inch-2 inches. Further, the cylindrical configuration may include a length-size 126 of at least 1 inch. However, it should be appreciated that other sizes and dimensions are contemplated.

FIG. 4 shows a side front perspective view of the exercise device 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the first handle-half 112 may include the first looped-end 116 configured for receiving a first appendage of the user 40, and the second handle-half 114 may have a second looped-end 118 configured for receiving a second appendage of the user 40 (FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the exercise device 100 may further comprise a first padded sleeve 113 housing the first looped-end. Similarly, the exercise device 100 may further comprise a second padded sleeve 115 housing the second looped-end. Preferably, the first padded sleeve 113 and the second padded sleeve 115 are padded with a foam material. The first padded sleeve 113 and the second padded sleeve 115 may be provide comfort and prevent strain on the first and second appendage of the user 40 (FIG. 1) when the pull-pressure is applied to the device via the user 40 (FIG. 1).

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram 550 illustrating a method of using an exercise device 500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the method of using an exercise device 500 may include the steps of: providing 501 the exercise device as above; opening 502 the door; placing 503 the anchor behind the door; closing 504 the door; inserting 505 the first appendage into the first looped-end of the flexible strap; inserting 506 the second appendage into the second looped-end of the flexible strap; tensioning 507 the flexible strap; performing 508 a squat exercise; and engaging 509 the gluteal muscles.

It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for use for the exercise device 100 (e.g., different step orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc.), are taught herein.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. 

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
 1. An exercise device for use in exercising gluteal muscles comprising: an elongate flexible strap having a first handle-half and a second handle-half, the first handle-half including a first looped-end configured for receiving a first appendage of the user, the second handle-half having a second looped-end configured for receiving a second appendage of the user; and an anchor located between the first handle-half and the second handle-half, the anchor including a coiled piece of material, the coiled piece forming a cylinder having a diameter larger than a gap between a closed door and a door frame.
 2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the flexible strap comprises a synthetic textile material.
 3. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the anchor comprises the synthetic textile material.
 4. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein the synthetic textile material is nylon.
 5. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the anchor is located at a mid-section of the flexible strap.
 6. The exercise device of claim 5, wherein the mid-section is at least partially sealed together to form a loop disposed around the anchor.
 7. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a first padded sleeve housing the first looped-end.
 8. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a second padded sleeve housing the second looped-end.
 9. The exercise device of claim 8, wherein the first and second padded sleeves comprise a foam material.
 10. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the diameter-size is at least 1 inch.
 11. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the diameter-size ranges from ¼ inch to 2 inches.
 12. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the cylinder has a height of at least 1 inch.
 13. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the first handle-half and the second handle-half are each between 10-25 inches long.
 14. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the flexible strap is between 20-50 inches long.
 15. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the flexible strap is at least ½ inch wide.
 16. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein configured for receiving a first appendage of the user includes sizing the first looped-end to encircle the user's wrist.
 17. The exercise device of claim 16, wherein the first looped-end and the second looped-end are between 5-15 inches in circumference or diameter.
 18. An exercise device for use in exercising gluteal muscles of a user comprising: An elongate flexible strap having a first handle-half and a second handle-half, the first handle-half including a first looped-end sized to encircle the user's wrist and the second handle-half having a second looped-end sized to encircle the user's wrist; and an anchor located between the first handle-half and the second handle-half, the anchor including a coiled piece of elongate material, the coiled piece forming a cylinder having a diameter-size larger than a gap between a closed door and the door frame, wherein the flexible strap comprises a synthetic textile material; wherein the anchor comprises the synthetic textile material; wherein the synthetic textile material is nylon; wherein the anchor is located at a mid-section of the flexible strap; and wherein the mid-section is at least partially sealed together to form a loop around the anchor.
 19. The exercise device of claim 18, further comprising a set of instructions; and wherein the exercise device and instructions are arranged as a kit.
 20. A method of using an exercise device comprising the steps of: providing the exercise device of claim 1; opening a door; placing the anchor behind the door; closing the door trapping the anchor on the far side of the door; inserting the user's first appendage into the first looped-end of the flexible strap; inserting the user's second appendage into the second looped-end of the flexible strap; tensioning the flexible strap; performing a squat exercise; and engaging the gluteal muscles. 